Adjustable fitness arena

ABSTRACT

Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods for conducting sport-specific activities. Illustrated systems may be adjustable to permit a performance of different sport-specific activities. Further aspects relate to using sensor data to evaluate a user&#39;s performance and determine sport-specific fitness parameters. Various fitness parameters may measure reactive agility and/or the physiological state of the user, such as when in an exhausted state. Illustrated systems may have structures with an output device and a sensor. The structure may include a vertically-arranged planar surface to form a wall. Several structures may be configured to form a boundary. The boundary may be automatically adjustable, for example, depending on one or more specific fitness routines to be implemented. Calculated fitness parameters may be visually mapped on the structures of the system.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a National Stage Application under 35 U.S.C. 371 ofco-pending PCT application PCT/US12/39351 designating the United Statesand filed May 24, 2012; which claims the benefit of U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/114,467, filed May 24, 2011, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,506,370 on Aug. 13, 2013, each of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Professional and amateur athletes alike strive to obtain a level ofathletic ability. Unfortunately, however, their chosen exercise routinesmay not allow the athlete to excel to their full potential. Further,individuals without experienced coaches or trainers are even less likelyto reach their full potential. Thus, merely following a standardexercise routine will not assist the individual to improve certainperformance characteristics that may be important. For example, anindividual who desires to play football for a professional sports teammay have adequate speed to be considered a possible member of the teamor league; however, his reactive agility may be below acceptable ranges.Blindly following an improper exercise routine may not improve hisresponsiveness.

Further, coaches and recruiters need to quickly determine theperformance characteristics of several individuals in a relatively shortperiod of time. Current systems and methods require training people toadminister a plurality of testing protocols. Generally, each testingprotocol requires individual equipment, leading to increased costs. Pastattempts to utilize one machine or system to measure fitness parametersfor different sports, (such as, for example: basketball and soccer)often failed due to the different activities that need to be conductedspecific to each sport. Further, current systems and methods often relyon predefined activities and do not present activities which allow auser to determine a course of action. Rather, prior systems may permitusers to remember routines rather than determine reactive agility to anunknown stimulus, thus for reactive agility measurements, prior artsystems are largely ineffective and/or not sport-specific.

Therefore, for these and other reasons, there is a need for improvedsystems and methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention inorder to provide a basic understanding of the invention and variousfeatures of it. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention in any way, but it simply provides a general overview andcontext for the more detailed description that follows.

Aspects of this invention relate to systems and methods for conductingsport-specific activities. In certain embodiments, a system may beadjustable to permit a plurality of different sport-specific activitiesto be conducted. Further aspects relate to using sensor data to evaluatea user's performance and determine sport-specific fitness parameters.For example, various fitness parameters may measure reactive agility ina user during activities simulating actions conducted during sportingevents. Further parameters may relate to the physiological state of theuser (such as, for example, an exhausted state) to measure reactiveagility during the exhausted state and/or determine endurance. These andother aspects are briefly described below.

According to certain embodiments, an apparatus comprising at least onestructure having an output device and a sensor is provided. Thestructure may include a vertically-arranged planar surface to form awall. In other embodiments, the apparatus comprises several structuresconfigured to be in operative communication to form a boundary. Theboundary may be adjustable, for example, depending on one or morespecific fitness routines to be implemented. The adjustment may beautomatically performed upon selection of a specific routine or actionsto be conducted. Furthermore, the structures of the apparatus may beadjustable to form an arena having a polygon-shaped perimeter. Exemplarydimensions that may be adjusted include: height, circumference, shape,and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the output device may comprise a display deviceand/or a speaker to provide instructional cues to a user. Displaydevices may be aligned with a planar surface of the apparatus to form awall of display devices. The structures may further be arranged suchthat walls of display devices face an inner portion of the apparatus.The instructional cues may instruct one or more users to performphysical activities. In one embodiment, the instructional cues areintended to solicit sport-specific activities from a user that may beused to evaluate fitness parameters, such as relating to reactiveagility. Such actions may be used to mimic a scenario that an opponentis approaching a user and require the user to rapidly determine where topass a ball. Therefore, detecting the ball's impact, measuring one ormore impact parameters, or utilizing data from other sensors may beutilized in determining an endurance—opponent avoidance—pass precisionfitness parameter.

In one embodiment, the operational state of a display device may bealtered to represent an opponent approaching the user, thus theinstructions are not specific to a user action, but rather prompt a userto make a judgment as to what action he or she should conduct. In thisregard, the apparatus may communicate with a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructionsthat when executed by a processor, cause the processor to operate theoutput devices in a manner to instruct or solicit a first user toperform the fitness activity.

In certain embodiments, cues may be simultaneously provided to multipleusers. For example, the cues may replicate interaction of multiple usersduring a sporting event. Further implementations may operate displaydevices in a manner as to emphasize testing a preference for a user toutilize a left or right extremity and/or instruct the first user to kickor throw a ball towards a specific display device.

One or more sensors may be configured to detect an impact force upon thestructure. In one embodiment, each of several display devices may beassociated with a sensor, such that impact with (or proximate to) eachdisplay may be identified. Impact forces may be measured to determine animpact parameter in accordance with further embodiments. Exemplaryimpact parameters include: velocity, acceleration, direction, force, andcombinations thereof. Information from additional sensors which may notbe associated with a specific structure of the apparatus may also beused in measuring one or more impact parameters, including sportingdevices (such as a ball used in a specific sport) and/or personaldevices (such as a mobile terminal device). In this regard, fitnessparameters may be calculated from one or more of: an impact parameter,sensor information from a sporting device, and sensor information from adevice operatively connected to the first user. Further information maybe obtained, such as physiological data, including, for example: heartrate, respiration, temperature, velocity, acceleration, sweat content,blood content, and combinations thereof.

Further fitness parameters may relate to the state of a user whenconducting specific routines. For example, any one of the aboveparameters may be measured when the user is in an exhausted state. Forexample, one exemplary parameter may be measure endurance passprecision. In one implementation, information from one or more sensorsmay be utilized in a determination that a user is in an exhausted state.For example, a user's heartbeat, motion, or declining physicalperformance may indicate that the user is exhausted.

Impact locations on the structures may be visually mapped. The visualmapping may provide a first color representing impact locations. Furtherembodiments may display a first color for impact locations in which theimpact meets or exceeds a threshold and a second color for impactlocations in which the impact did not meet the threshold. Visual mappingmay also be used to provide information regarding a plurality of impactparameters. For example, in addition to providing a first color at animpact location of a ball striking at a certain velocity (or within arange), an arrow or another indicia may be provided to indicate adirection of an impact force. For example, if a detected vector of theimpact force is heading in a downward direction (for example, indicativeof a ball descending), then indicia may be utilized to visually conveythe direction of the impact force. Likewise, if a detected vector of animpact force is heading in an upward direction, such as indicative of aball ascending away from a floor or bottom surface, then a secondindicia may be visually provided to convey this value. Further, suchinformation may be utilized to visually convey if a ball was spinning ina certain direction, such as a curve ball. Further information relatingto the impact forces may also be visually represented. For example,visualized impact force locations resulting from a soccer ball kickedwith a left foot may be visually-distinguishable from impact forcelocations resulting from a soccer ball kicked with a right foot. Suchimplementations may readily allow users (and/or training staff) todetermine if a user favors a right or left foot and/or whether thiscauses more imprecision or inaccuracy. Further, physiological parametersmay be displayed in association with the corresponding impact location.Exemplary physiological data that may be associated with mapped impactlocations may include, but is not limited to: heart rate, respiration,temperature, velocity, acceleration, sweat content, blood content, andcombinations thereof. For example, a user's heart rate may be mappedagainst impact locations to show how the user's accuracy declined as theheart rate changed. Similarly, velocity of the user may be mappedagainst impact forces to demonstrate better precision when running atcertain speeds or certain directions at impact with a ball or othersporting device. Further, any motions of the user may be utilized,including whether a user utilizes a left or right extremity (i.e., handor foot) as discussed above.

Further, in certain embodiments, the location of the detected impactparameters may be utilized, at least in part, to determine a secondfitness activity to be executed using the apparatus. In one embodiment,a physical dimension of the apparatus, such as a dimension of theperimeter may be adjusted before initiation of the second fitnessactivity.

These and other features of the invention will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of various aspects disclosed herein andcertain advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the followingdetailed description in consideration with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary fitness system in accordance with oneembodiment; specifically FIGS. 1A and 1B show perspective views of anexemplary fitness structure in a first configuration and FIG. 1C shows atop view of an exemplary fitness structure;

FIG. 2A shows an exemplary computing environment that may be used toimplement various examples of the invention and FIG. 2B shows anexemplary output device that may be associated with a computingenvironment in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary method that may be implementedusing a fitness structure according to various embodiments of theinvention; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method that may be implementedusing a fitness structure according to various embodiments of theinvention.

The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarilydrawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various example structures and methodsin accordance with the invention, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way ofillustration various fitness devices and systems using fitness devicesin accordance with various embodiments of the invention. Additionally,it is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts andstructures may be utilized and structural and functional modificationsmay be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Aspects relate to fitness systems or devices having one or moreadjustable structures. FIG. 1A shows an illustrative fitness system 100according to one embodiment. Fitness system 100 may comprise one or morefitness structures, such as structure 102. Structure 102 (or any otherstructure disclosed herein) may comprise a first surface 104 that whenproperly configured and oriented, faces an interior region, such asinterior region 106 of fitness system 100. As shown, first surface 104may be relatively planar shaped, such as to form a vertically extendingwall from a bottom portion 105 to a top portion 108 along a verticalaxis. In other embodiments, first surface 104 may be shaped, arranged,or otherwise configured to be off-axis with respect to the verticalaxis. Further, the shape of first surface 104 may be variable, such thata first portion (such as near the top portion 108) may be curved, asecond portion is substantially straight, and a third portion (such asnear the bottom portion 105) may be curved at a different rate ordirection than the first portion.

In further embodiments, at least a portion of structure 102, includingfor example, first surface 104, comprises one or more rigid materials,including but not limited to metals, woods, plastics, and combinationsthereof. As will be understood by those skilled in the art with thebenefit of this disclosure, the rigidity of surface 104 or any surfaceof a structure, such as structure 110, will depend on a myriad offactors, including but not limited to: intended usage, portability,manufacturing tolerances, protection of internal sensors, noiseproduction and combinations thereof. In this regard, surface 104 maycomprise zones of varying rigidity. For example, a first zone may beconstrued of metal, plastic, and/or other materials designed to resistdeformation, yet other zones may be constructed of the same and/or othermaterials in a manner to permit more absorption of an impact forceand/or more readily deformable than the first zone.

As further shown in FIG. 1A, structure 102 may be in physical and/orelectronic communication with one or more other structures, such asillustrated structures 110 and 112. One or more structures, includingillustrated structures 102, 110 and 112 may be configured to beoperatively connected to form a boundary or perimeter. As shown in FIG.1A, structures 102, 110 and 112 are connected such that a wall-likeboundary is formed in which surfaces 104, 114 and 116 are arranged toface the interior region 106, however, the boundary is not required notdefine a closed perimeter (such as perimeter 132 shown in FIG. 1C, whichis discussed below).

Further embodiments may comprise structures operatively connected alonga vertical axis. For example, structure 118 may be operatively connectedto structure 110. As shown in FIG. 1B, structure 118 may be operativelyconnected to structure 110 via one or more extensions 120 a, 120 b(collectively 120). Extensions 120 may comprise one or moresubstantially rigid material as to permit support of structure 118 abovethe structure 110. In one embodiment, structure 118 may be supported ina position that is substantially aligned with structure 110 along avertical axis. As shown in FIG. 1B, extensions 120 may further define avoid, such as void 122 in between structure 110 and structure 118. Thus,while structures disclosed as part of system 100 may be operativelyconnected to form a unified structure, such as the illustratedconnection of structure 110 and structures 102 and 112, there is norequirement, absent any affirmative requirement, that any connectedstructures be in uniform communication to create uniform structures withno breaks or voids. In this regard, exemplary materials, such as nettingmaterial 124 may be provided throughout the system 100, such as withinor part of extension(s) 120, void 122, periphery locations, or any otherlocations.

Structure 118 and/or any other structures (such as for example,structures 102, 110, and/or 112) of system 100 may be adjustable. In oneembodiment, structure 118 may be adjustable so an overall height ofstructure 118 is variable. In one embodiment, structure 118 may beadjustable between a first position and to a second position that is anextended position, and yet further extendable to a third position. Inthis regard, extensions 120 may serve as or be associated with guides ortracks configured to adjust structure 118 between one or more positions.Adjustment of any structure, including structure 118, may be performedthrough an electric motor, a mechanical mechanism, or through anelectrical-mechanical mechanism. As will be explained later, theadjustment of structures, such as structure 118, may be performedautomatically, such as through the execution of computer-executableinstructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. In thisregard, while the exemplary adjustment of structure 118 was discussed inthe context of positions along a vertical direction, those skilled inthe art will readily appreciate that any structure may be adjusted alongany other axis, including a horizontal axis. In yet other embodiments, aplurality of structures may be operatively connected to define aperimeter around the interior region 106. As shown best in FIG. 1C,multiple structures may be linked together to form a polygon. Forexample, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1C, structures 102, 110and 112 (as shown in FIG. 1A) may be operatively connected withstructures 126-130 to create polygon-shaped perimeter 132 that definesan arena having interior region 106. While the illustrated perimeter isgenerally hexagon-shaped, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that any other polygonal shape, including any irregularpolygon shape is within the scope of this disclosure. In this regard,other shapes, such as circles and/or ovals are also within the scope ofthis disclosure.

System 100 may be adjustable such that perimeter 132 may define ahexagon-shaped polygon in a first implementation, a pentagon-shapedpolygon in a second implementation, and then perimeter 132 may not bepresent in a third implementation, but rather system 100 may comprise anopen boundary such as if a portion of the system 100 shown in FIG. 1A isremoved and not utilized. For example, one or more of structures 102,110, 112 and 126-130 may not be present and/or may be removable. In oneembodiment, only structures 102, 110 and 112 may be provided. Asdiscussed throughout this document, dimensions of system 100 (and/orstructures, such as structure 102) may be adjustable based upon aspecific sporting action to be simulated using system 100. Exemplarydimensions that may be adjustable include, but are not limited to:height, circumference, shape, and combinations thereof.

Although many of the surfaces illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, such assurfaces, 102, 110, 112 and 126-130 appear to be substantiallyidentical, those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosurewill appreciate that one or more structures may be of varying dimensionsand capabilities. For example, structure 112 may be wider than structure118 and as will be explained below, one or more structures may havefunctionality not provided by one or more other structures. Further, oneor more surfaces or components of each structure may be formed ofdifferent materials than structure 102 (including first surface 104).For example, surface 116 of structure 112 may comprise malleablematerials to more readily absorb an impact force upon surface 116. Thismay be especially advantageous in certain embodiments to shield one ormore components, including for example, sensors or displays, which willbe explained in more detail below. Further, one or more structures maynot comprise a planar first surface (see, e.g., the illustrated firstsurface 104) or have wall-like surfaces. Rather, various surfaces may becurved, spherical, irregular, or any other shape that may be useful fora structure according to the various embodiments disclosed herein. Forexample, structure 118 may comprise a hoop-shaped portion that mimics abasketball hoop. Yet, in other embodiments, structure 118 (or any otherstructure) may comprise a goal post, boundary markers, or any othershapes.

In yet further embodiments, one or more structures (such as, forexample, structure 102) may comprise an opening or port configured topermit a projectile to be projected from at least a portion of astructure. For example, certain embodiments may comprise an opening,such as part of first surface 104, configured to permit the passage of asporting device, such as a football, soccer ball, baseball, puck, or anyother object capable of being projected. One or more openings may allowan object to be projected away from the structure towards inner region106. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a plurality ofdifferent structures of system 100 may be configured to have multipleopenings of varying dimensions. Further, openings may be positioned atdifferent locations with reference to a vertical axis. For example, afirst opening may be positioned proximate to the bottom 106 of firstsurface 104 and a second opening may be positioned proximate to the top108 of first surface 104. Yet in another embodiment, a third opening maybe positioned at a location about mid-distance from the bottom 106 andthe top 108 relative to the vertical axis. At least one opening may beconfigured to allow the projection of a projectile that is of adifferent size than another opening on the same or different structureof system 100. Further, an opening may be configured to project aprojectile at one more different angles respective to a horizontaland/or vertical axis.

Other structures, such as netting 124 may also be provided to allowretrieval of sporting devices, such as a ball or other sporting devices.As discussed below, one or more structures, including but not limited tostructure 118 may comprise sensors and/or be interactive with devices,such as sporting devices and/or personal devices.

In accordance with various embodiments, one or more structures or otherdevices associated with system 100 may comprise a sensor. FIG. 2A showsexemplary fitness structure 200 in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention. Structure 200 may be substantially similar to one or more ofstructures 102, 110, 112, 118 and/or 126-130 shown in FIG. 1A-1C.Structure 200 may comprise one or more sensors, such as sensors 201A and201B (collectively referred to as sensors 201). Those skilled in the artwith the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that additional orfewer sensors may be utilized. Sensors 201 may be embedded withinstructure 200, such as shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, in certainembodiments, sensor 201A and/or 201B may be in proximity to firstsurface 202. In other embodiments, one or more sensors 201 may not befully embedded within a structure. This may be advantageous, forexample, to obtain accurate measurements from sensors 201. Yet, in otherembodiments, one or more sensors may be positioned on an outer surfaceof a structure, such as the first surface 202 of structure 200.Regardless of whether one or more sensors 201 are fully or partiallyencased within fitness structure (i.e., structure 200), one or moresensors 201 may be removable and/or interchangeable. This implementationmay be useful for one or more reasons, for example, to readily permitthe replacement of faulty or aged sensors. In certain implementations,it also may permit fitness system 200 to be utilized in variousactivities (such as those described below). In yet further embodiments,a sensor may not be physically attached to a specific structure, butnonetheless may be associated with one or more structures of system. Forexample, sensor 201A/201B may measure a property relating to structure200. Yet in other embodiments, one or more sensors may be locatedoutside of structure 200 and/or partially embedded within the structure.In this regard, there is no requirement that a sensor remains inconstant contact with an associated structure. Further, sensors 201 maybe removably or permanently positioned within a structure, such asstructure 200. In certain embodiments, this may be advantageous toprotect sensors 201 and/or to prevent tampering with the sensors 201.

Sensors 201 may include any apparatus(es) configured to detect astimulus and provide a resulting signal. In one embodiment, one or moreof sensors 201 may be configured to detect a force, such as an impactforce from a person or object striking the first surface 202 ofstructure 200 or another structure of a system, such as system 100 shownin FIG. 1A. In certain embodiments, sensors 201 may be utilized tomeasure one or more parameters, such as, for example, velocity,acceleration, pressure, location, energy transfer, temperature,orientation, light, sound, magnetism, or a particular motion along twoor more axes. In one embodiment, sensors 201 may comprise anaccelerometer module. In one embodiment, the accelerometer module may beimplemented with a two-axis accelerometer for measuring accelerationalong two orthogonal axes. In another embodiment, the accelerometermodule may be implemented with a three-axis accelerometer for measuringacceleration along three orthogonal axes.

Further exemplary sensors may include strain gauges, conductive ink,piezo-electric devices and/or pressure transducers. In certainembodiments, relative pressure applied to two or more sensors 201 can beused to indicate weight distribution. In certain embodiments, sensors201 may comprise a camera. A camera may detect or measure one or moreproperties of a user, either before, during or after, any processes orroutines disclosed herein. A camera may be incorporated, eitherphysically or logically, into one or more fitness devices, including forexamples, structures 110, 118, and/or a floor or bottom surface of innerportion 106. A camera may comprise any type of imaging equipmentconfigured to capture one or more images and any spectrum of light. Onor more cameras may be configured to detect 3-dimensional motion orutilized in the rendering of a 3-dimensional animation of detectedmotion.

In certain embodiments and as further shown in FIG. 2A, sensor 201A maybe of the same type as sensor 201B. For example, in one embodiment,sensors 201 may each be accelerometers. In other embodiments, sensor201A may be similar, but not the same as, sensor 201B. For example,sensor 201A may comprise a first accelerometer configured to detectacceleration within a first range, and sensor 201B may comprise a secondaccelerometer configured to detect acceleration within a second range.In certain embodiments, the first range may overlap or otherwise beinclusive of values within the second range detectable by the secondaccelerometer. In still yet other embodiments, sensors 201 may measuredifferent parameters. For example, in one embodiment, sensor 201Acomprises an accelerometer and sensor 201B may comprise a pressuresensor.

Sensors 201 may be active or passive. For example, in certainembodiments, one or more sensors may actively transmit or provide anoutput, such as a wireless signal that may be used in the detection of aparameter. For example, sensors 201 may comprise electromagneticdevices, such as wireless sensors, including for example radiofrequency, electromagnetic and/or optical sensors. In one embodiment,one or more sensors may be implemented with microstrip antennas. Yet, inother embodiments, sensors 201 may comprise a passive sensor configuredto detect and/or measure a stimulus. Regardless of whether sensors 201are active or passive, sensors 201 may detect stimuli or a result ofstimuli transmitted by another sensor of either fitness device 100 oranother device, such as a second fitness device, or a non-fitnessdevice. Power to sensors 201 may be provided by power supply 207 (whichis discussed below). Further operational aspects of sensors 201 isdiscussed in more detail below in reference to the flowcharts shown inFIGS. 3-4.

As further shown in FIG. 2A, structure 200 may comprise one or moreoutput devices, such as output device 206. (As discussed above,structure 200 may be at least a part of or comprise one or more of theillustrative structures 102, 110, 112, 118, and/or 126-130 shown inFIGS. 1A-1C). Output device 206 may be configured to provide an audio,video, audiovisual, or tactile output. In certain embodiments, outputdevice 206 may be configured to provide instructional cues to a user ofsystem 100. Output device 206 may be positioned on an outer surface,such as first surface 202 of structure 200. Yet, in other embodiments,it may be embedded within structure 200. For example, in one embodiment,output device 206 may comprise a display device positioned behindtransparent or translucent material, such that an output from outputdevice 206 may be observed from the outside of structure 200. In certainembodiments, a plurality of adjacent structures may comprise an outputdevice comprising a display device. For example, looking briefly back atFIG. 1A, output device 206 may be provided on a plurality of adjacentstructures, including but not limited to: structures 102, 110, 112and/or 118. In certain embodiments, at least one structure may comprisea plurality of display devices, such as to create a wall-like display.In certain embodiments, a plurality of adjacent structures each maycomprise a plurality of adjacent display devices to create an appearanceof a single display device.

FIG. 2B shows an illustrative output device 206 which may be located,for example, on one or more of the exemplary structures (i.e.,structures 102, 110, 112 and/or 126-30) shown in any of FIGS. 1A-1C.Exemplary display devices of output device 206 may comprise or beassociated with a video adapter configured to drive an LED array havinga plurality of pixels. The plurality of pixels may be configured todisplay different color spectrums. For example, red, green, white andblue LEDs (such as 206 a, 206 b, 206 c, and 206 d) may be driven by red,green, white and blue input signals respectively and may be positionedon a black background. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that acombination of red, green and blue LEDs allows for the generation of awide variety of other colors. In alternative embodiments, other primarycolor combinations may be used. For example, magenta, cyan and yellowlight emitting diodes may be utilized. Further, an LED array may bereplaced with or used in combination with other light generation anddisplay components such cathode ray tubes (CRTs), liquid crystaldisplays (LCDs), field emission displays (FEDs), plasma displays or anyother device that produces an image that is viewable by a user of system100. Exemplary uses of an output device, such as output device 206,comprising a display device are provided below in context of flowcharts300 and 400 of FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively.

In further embodiments, output device 206 may comprise a sound emittingdevice. For example, output device 206 may comprise or otherwise beoperatively connected to a speaker. One or more speakers may be incommunication with a sound card coupled to other devices, such as adisplay device or any other component of structure 200. For example,audio output from a speaker may be synchronized with visual contentdisplayed from a display device. In this regard, although only a singleoutput device (e.g., output device 206) is shown, those skilled in theart with the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that a pluralityof output devices may be provided on a single structure, such asstructure 200. In this regard, a first output device may comprise adisplay device, a second output device may comprise a speaker, and athird output device may comprise a mechanical or electromechanicaldevice. Yet, in other embodiments, different types of display devices,speakers, mechanical devices and/or electromechanical devices may beutilized on a single structure, such as structure 200.

Output devices, such as output device 206, may be associated with one ormore sensors, such as sensors 201A and/or 201B. For example, sensor 201Aand/or 201B may be configured to detect an impact force upon display. Inthis regard, aspects disclosed herein relate to determining a user'sresponse to simulated sporting scenarios. In certain embodiments, one ormore sensors may be configured to detect performance parameters of auser (which may or may not be utilizing one or more fitness devices,such as a ball). In another embodiment, sensor 201A may be configured tomeasure a first parameter and sensor 201B may be configured to measure asecond parameter. Operation of output device 206 and/or sensors 201 maybe performed through one or more computer-readable mediums, such asmemory 204 having computer-executable instructions that when executed bya processor, such as processor 203 perform a method of operating sensors201 and/or output device, either independently or in combination. In oneembodiment, the usage of output device 206 and/or sensors 201 throughexecution of computer-executable instructions stored on acomputer-readable medium (such as memory 204) may be configured todetect or measure sport-specific reactive agility parameters.

Like sensor(s) 201, there is no requirement that processor 203 and/ormemory 204 be enclosed within fitness structure 200. Rather, in otherembodiments, processor 203 and/or memory 204 may be external to afitness structure. In this regard, certain implementations may comprisea plurality of fitness structures and sensors that operativelycommunicate (wirelessly or wired) to a central processor and/or memory.Memory 204 may comprise read-only memory (ROM) and/or random accessmemory (RAM). As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart, memory 204 may store computer-implemented instructions forexecution by a processor, such as processor 203. In certain embodiments,processor 203 may be configured to process output transmitted fromsensors 201. Processor 203 may be a programmable microprocessor, yet inother embodiments, processor 203 may be a purpose-specific circuitdevice, such as an ASIC. In certain embodiments, memory 204 may comprisecomputer-executable instructions that when executed by a processor, suchas processor 203, may be configured to cause the performance of one ormore operations. Exemplary computer-executable instructions may includeperforming operations on the output from sensors 201, such as curvesmoothing, noise filtering, outlier removal, amplification, summation,integration, or the like. While memory 204 and processor 203 are shownas being located within device 200, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that either memory 204 and/or processor 203 may beexternal to fitness device 200.

In certain embodiments, processor 203 may be in operative communicationwith, and as such may provide processed or raw signals to, transceiver205 for transmission to an electronic device, such as device 208. Incertain embodiments, power supply 207 may be configured to provide powerto transceiver 205, memory 204, processor 203 and/or sensors 201. Thepower supply 207 may be configured to accept either alternating current(AC) and/or direct current (DC). In certain embodiments, power supply207 may comprise a converter for converting energy between AC and DCpower.

Electronic device 208 may comprise transceiver 209 configured tocommunicate with transceiver 205 of the fitness device 200. In otherembodiments, transceiver 209 may be configured to communicate with otherfitness structures, such as one or more of structures 102, 110 or 112shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, in addition to or in lieu of fitness structure200. In certain embodiments, transceiver 209 may be in operativecommunication with a processor, such as processor 211. For example,transceiver 209 may transmit signals, such as raw or processed sensordata, to processor 211. Similar to processor 203, processor 211 mayperform any desired operation on the processed signals, such as curvesmoothing, noise filtering, outlier removal, amplification, summation,integration, or the like.

Further embodiments may comprise one or more electronic devices, such aselectronic device 208. Electronic device 208 may comprise two or moredetachable components, such as for example, components 212 a and/or 212b. For example, component 212 a may be a relatively smaller componentthan component 212 b. For example, in one embodiment, component 212 b isa mobile terminal device and/or a personal media player and component212 a provides further functionality to component 212 b. Component 212 amay connect to component 212 b such that processor 211 may communicatewith computing unit 213 of electronic device 208. Processor 211 maycommunicate directly with computing unit 213, and in certainembodiments, be a part of computing unit 213. Component 212 a may alsocommunicate with computing unit 213 and other portions of component 212b through input/output (I/O) interface 214, using one or more channels,such as channel 214 a. In certain embodiments, for example, where 212 ais not detachable, I/O interface 214 may be excluded. Further, processor211 of component 212 a and/or computing unit 213 of component 212 b maybe redundant or otherwise not required in certain embodiments.

Computing unit 213 may comprise a processor configured to read and/orwrite data to memory 215. Exemplary data may include raw or processedsignals from sensors 201. Computing unit 213 may further operate onprocessed signals provided by one or more fitness devices, suchstructure 200, for example, to generate a set of athletic datacorresponding to athletic activity performed by a user. In certainembodiments, computing unit 213 may execute computer-executableinstructions located on a memory, such as memory 215. Exemplarycomputer-executable instructions may include one or more processesdiscussed below in relation to FIGS. 3 and/or 4.

Electronic device 208 may further comprise I/O interface device 217. I/Ointerface device 217 may comprise one or more ports or interfaces (ordevices connected through such ports or interfaces) configured toreceive an input or transmit an output from device 208. In certainembodiments, I/O interface device 217 may comprise a peripheral devicepermanently or semi-permanently connected to the computing unit 213. Forexample, with many computers, the computing unit 213, memory 215, may besemi-permanently encased in a housing. In certain embodiments, such asmobile terminal devices or personal media players, a display may also bewithin the housing. In yet other embodiments, one or more otherperipheral devices, such as a removable memory and/or a display may beremovably connected to the computer. Interfaces or ports of the I/Ointerface device 217 may include, for example, one or more communicationports through which a peripheral device can be in operativecommunication with computing unit 213 (either directly or indirectlythrough, for example, a bus). Exemplary communication ports may includea parallel bus port or a serial bus port, such as a serial bus portusing the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard or the IEEE 1394 HighSpeed Serial Bus standard (e.g., a Firewire port). Alternately oradditionally, I/O interface device 217 device may include acommunication port configured to communicate with a network. In certainembodiments, I/O interface device 217 may comprise a wireless data“port,” such as a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, an infrareddata port, or the like.

It should be appreciated that electronic device 208 is merelyillustrative and that various embodiments within the scope of thisdisclosure may include more or fewer components than electronic device208 illustrated in FIG. 2A. In certain embodiments, electronic device208 may include specific functionality, such as a server computer at afitness center. Thus, depending on various implementations, peripherals,such keyboards and/or mice, however, comprise further devices, such asspecialized or multiple communication connections, may be absent. Otherexemplary embodiments of electronic device 208 may alternately oradditionally employ computing devices that are intended to be capable ofa wide variety of functions, such as a desktop or laptop computer. Thesecomputing devices may have any combination of peripheral devices oradditional components as desired.

Before explaining illustrative operations and functions of system 100,which may comprise one or more structures, such as structures 102, 110,112 shown in FIG. 1A-1C and/or structure 200 shown in FIG. 2A, exemplaryembodiments may further be configured to interact with other devices.Therefore, for clarity, exemplary devices are briefly described below asexemplary optional components of system 100. In this regard, exemplarycomponents may be fully operational devices or components that arecommonly or routinely utilized apart from a system disclosed herein,however, may be used or adapted for use (and thus become part of) any ofthe systems described herein.

In accordance with various embodiments, a sporting device may be usedwith or become part of systems disclosed herein. The term “sportingdevice” includes any physical object that may be used or implicatedduring a specific sport. Exemplary sporting devices may include, but arenot limited to: golf balls, basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls,footballs, powerballs, hockey pucks, weights, bats, clubs, sticks,paddles, mats, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments,exemplary fitness devices may include objects within a sportingenvironment where a specific sport occurs, including the environmentitself, such as a goal net, hoop, backboard, portions of a field, suchas a midline, outer boundary marker, base, and combinations thereof. Inthis regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or moresporting devices may also be part of (or form) a structure (such asstructure 200) and vice-versa, a structure may comprise one or moresporting devices or be configured to interact with a sporting device.For example, structure 118 may comprise a basketball hoop and abackboard, which may be removable and replaced with a goal post. In thisregard, one or more sporting devices may comprise one or more sensors,such as sensors 201A and/or 201B, that may provide information utilized,either independently, or in conjunction with, other sensors, such as oneor more sensors associated with one or more structures. For example, abackboard may comprise sensors 201 configured to measure a force and adirection of the force by a basketball upon the backboard and the hoopmay comprise a sensor to detect a force.

As another example, sporting device 134 may comprise a soccer ballcomprising a sensor, such as sensor(s) 201. Sensor 201 may include aremovable accelerometer module that is configured to detectacceleration. The accelerometer module may be replaced with a differentsensor (i.e., pressure sensor). Using removable sensors may permit asensor, such as sensor 201A to be used with several different fitnessdevices, such as soccer balls, powerballs, footballs, and/or allowing auser to upgrade or replace a faulty device, without having to obtain anew sensor. In certain embodiments, placement of one or more sensors 201may be configured so that the weights of the included sensors 201 do notchange the balance or center of gravity of the sporting device 134.

In certain embodiments, one or more sensors may be held, attached orworn by a user. Exemplary “personal” devices may include, clothing suchas shoes, shirts, shorts, gloves, hats, or electronic devices, such aswatches, phones, media players, among others. In one embodiment, sensorsmay be attachable to a user's shoe. In another embodiment, a device maybe attachable to a user's arm, such as similarly performed by a watch,ring, or graspable by a hand, such as any handheld electronic device,including mobile terminal devices and/or personal media players. Thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate, with the benefit of thisdisclosure, that one or more personal devices may comprise a sportingdevice, structure such as structure 200, or any other component herein.Likewise, one or more structures may include or be configured tointeract with one or more personal devices.

In view of the foregoing and the remaining disclosure, illustrativemethods that may be implemented, executed or otherwise associated withwill be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of one exemplary method ofutilizing a fitness system in accordance with one embodiment. Whilevarious blocks of FIG. 3 (and FIG. 4) are shown in a linear arrangement,those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure willreadily appreciate that flowchart 300 is merely exemplary and that theillustrated blocks may be performed in any order, includingsimultaneously with one or other actions, including those activitiesassociated with another block of flowchart 300 (or flowchart 400 shownin FIG. 4). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or moreprocesses, steps, or actions disclosed herein may be omitted or part offurther processes, steps, or actions or be combined with othercombinations without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Implementation of block 301 may be configured to select a fitnessactivity that is specific to a sport-specific fitness parameter. In oneembodiment, the fitness activity may be configured to measuresport-specific reactive agility of one or more users. In one embodimenta user input may be received that selects a specific routine from aplurality of routines. The user input may be received, for example,through I/O interface device 217 of electronic device 108. In oneembodiment, the user input may select a specific activity protocol. Theselection of the protocol may be made from a plurality of availableprotocols. The plurality of available protocols may be based, at leastin part, from one or more results obtained from other processes,including, for example, other user inputs, such as from coaching ortraining staff, or from historical data.

The selection may be based upon a user input selecting a desiredroutine. For example, a professional soccer player who may want to testhis endurance may select a Soccer-Endurance simulation rather than aSoccer-speed simulation. Yet, other embodiments may be merely directedtowards a sport, such as just Soccer or Football. In yet otherembodiments, selection at block 301 may be based, at least in part onthe detection of one or more sensors, for example, within a range ofstructures 102, 110 and/or 112. For example, sensors that may bedetected include those associated with sporting devices or personaldevices associated with the user, and combinations thereof. For example,the detection of a soccer ball within predefined vicinity may be used toselect (or present for selection) one or more soccer-related soccersimulations. Yet, presence of other structures, such as structure 128,may also be utilized in the selection at block 301. In one embodiment,computer-executable instructions on a tangible non-transitorycomputer-readable medium may be utilized to identify a value associatedwith a user. Further, historical data or other information regarding auser may be utilized, at least in part, in a selection.

Block 302 may be implemented to adjust a dimension of a system.Adjustments may be based, at least in part, on the selection ofinitiation of a routine of block 301. In one embodiment, a dimension ofsystem 100 may be adjusted. For example, if system 100 comprises aperimeter, such as perimeter 132, one dimension of perimeter 132 may beadjustable. For example, in one embodiment, at least one dimension maybe adjusted based according to a fitness activity to be implementedusing system 100. In certain embodiments, a dimension of a structure,such as structure 200 may be altered. Illustrative dimensions that couldbe adjusted may be selected from the group consisting of: height,circumference, shape, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment,computer executable instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitorycomputer-readable medium (e.g., memory 204 and or 215) may be configuredto be processed by a processor (i.e., processor 203 and/or 211) toadjust one or more dimensions. In this regard, block 302 may compriseone or more processes configured to automatically adjust a dimension ofa structure based, at least in part, according to a fitness or sportingactivity to be implemented.

As further shown in flowchart 300, block 304 may be implemented tooperate the output device 206, such as display device, to instruct userof the system 100 to perform a fitness activity configured to simulate asporting action of a specific sport. For example, a display device mayoutput one or more colors in a plurality of patterns to instruct(including soliciting) a user to perform a certain action. For example,one or more pixels of a display device may form a pattern to instruct auser to perform one or more actions, such as kicking a ball to aspecific location, striking a ball with a bat in an effort to direct theball towards a specific location, shooting a ball to a basket, moving toa certain location, touching a surface, such as first surface 202 or acomponent operatively attached to a surface, such as for example, outputdevice 206. For example, output device 206 may be configured to providea video and/or audio to kick a football at a certain location, such asat the display or audio device providing the output.

In one embodiment, output devices may be utilized to display a “startline” to indicate the location a user must initiate an activity. Incertain embodiments, display devices may be located on a flooring orbottom structure proximate to inner portion 106. In certain embodiments,a visual indicator (such as an LED), may be associated with one or moreof starting or ending locations for a routine. For example, a green LEDmay indicate that a user starts at a first location and a red LED mayindicate that the user is to stop at a second location.

The operation of the output device(s) may be configured to measure auser's reactive ability. For example, the usage of output device 206 maybe implemented to mimic, simulate or otherwise be similar to a specificfitness activity of a sport. For example, output device 206 may beutilized to instruct a user to conduct a certain activity that mimics anactual event or activity that may be presented in a specific sport. Forexample, if the specific sport is basketball, the output device 206 maybe operated to relate to activities relating to: a dunk, defensiveshell, offensive shell, or a different pace. If the sport is football,the output device 206 may be implemented or otherwise operated toinstruct a user to kick a field goal, kick a punt, pass to specificplayer, decide to pass or rush when presented with an opponent. Forexample, one or more outputs from output device 206 may be implementedto test whether a user favors his/her right or left side (such as whenkicking, passing, or rushing to a specific direction) when presentedwith an opponent (or other situation) at a certain location. In thisregard, one or more operations may test how a user would perform undertypical conditions in a specific sport. For example, one or moreprocesses may be implemented to test where a user may positionthemselves, how fast they react to certain situations, and/or othervariables. The use of output device(s) 206 may be configured to notallow a user to know what action may be prompted next as to permittesting or evaluation of reactive abilities, rather than to respond toknown stimuli. Certain implementations may evaluate reactive agilityparameters by instructing a user to conduct whole body movements, suchas sprinting. Such instructions may instruct the user to abruptly changedirections, turn a specific direction or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, an operational state of an output device, suchas output device 206, may be altered to simultaneously instruct multipleusers to perform activities. In one embodiment, two or more players maybe instructed (such as by altering the operational states of one or moredisplays) to perform fitness activities configured to simulate asporting action of the specific sport, wherein the combination of theinstructions to a first user and the instructional cues to a second userare configured to instruct the first and second users to perform fitnessactivities configured to replicate interaction of the first user and thesecond user during a sporting event.

Those skilled in the art upon review of this disclosure will readilyappreciate that in addition to or independent of selecting a sequence ofimages to display on a display device (or sounds from a speaker),computer-executable instructions on a non-transitory computer-readablemedium may be configured such that upon execution by a processer, mayperform one or more processes allowing for a broad array of optionsrelating to the images displayed on display devices, including but notlimited to: the longevity that each image is displayed, the colorprofile, contrast, brightness, and combinations thereof. In yet otherembodiments, a user input may further select audio characteristics, suchas indicating a sound to play during the display of a sequence ofimages. Sounds may mimic actual sport-specific activity, such as awhistle or buzzer.

In accordance with certain embodiments, an impact force may be detected(see, e.g. block 306). For example, in one embodiment, it may bedetected whether a sporting device and/or a user contacted a firstsurface (e.g., first surface 202) of a structure, such as structure 200.In certain implementations, output device 206 comprises a display devicethat is configured to instruct a user to perform an action (i.e., suchas discussed above in relation to block 304) and the display device 206is further operative communication with sensor 201A and/or sensor 201B,such that the display device may be configured to operate as a sensor.For example, contact of a ball or another sporting device with a displaydevice or output device 206 (which may be part of first surface 202) maybe measured in accordance with one or more implementations of block 306.

Further embodiments may comprise measuring one or more parametersbesides merely detecting an impact force. For example, in oneembodiment, block 308 may be implemented to determine whether to measurean impact force (such as an impact force detected at block 306) todetermine an impact parameter. The determination to measure an impactforce may be a function of computer-executable instructions on anon-transitory computer readable medium. For example, if a user isperforming a first sport routine, a first subset of impact forces may bemeasured, yet if a user is performing a second sport routine, a secondsubset of impact forces may be measured.

Block 310 may be implemented to measure one or more impact parametersfrom detected impact forces. Exemplary impact parameters that may bemeasured from a detected impact force may include, but are not limitedto: velocity, direction, force, and combinations thereof. In thisregard, there is no requirement that any measured impact parameters aresolely determined by sensors with a structure, such as sensors 201within structure 200. For example, if at block 312 it is determined toreceive additional sensor information such as information from asporting device or from a device operatively connected to a userexemplified by blocks 314 and 316 respectively, then such informationfrom one or more sensors may be may be implemented in any measurement ofimpact forces. For example, measuring an impact parameter of a footballstriking a display may utilize information from sensors 201 as well as asensor in the football and/or a sensor on a personal electronic deviceof the user. For example, the user's speed and/or time of impact may bedetected by a personal device operatively connected to the user, and thefootball's direction and/or velocity may be detected by one or moresensors on the football. The data may include raw data and/or processeddata.

As one example, a personal device operatively connected to a user may beconfigured to measure the user's velocity. Velocity may be measuredalong one or more axes using an accelerometer. For example, speedparameters could incorporate linear and/or lateral velocity. In otherembodiments turning velocity may be considered, such as measuring thespeed of a user changing directions, such as to their right or left orin the anterior or posterior direction. In certain embodiments, amulti-dimensional accelerometer may be utilized, such as to permitdetecting velocity along 2 orthogonal axes. In another embodiment, anaccelerometer may measure velocity along 3 orthogonal axes.

An accelerometer, either alone or in combination, with one or moreadditional devices, such as another sensor, may measure acceleration,inclusive of an initial or starting acceleration, deceleration,acceleration during different time-frames, and/or acceleration atspecific locations. For example, sensors may be located on a floor orbottom surface within the interior portion 106 configured to detectpressure of the user, and therefore, the location of user. Yet in otherembodiments, sensors associated with a personal device may be configuredto transmit and/or receive information location data, such as throughwireless signals. In one embodiment, GPS data may be utilized to detectthe location of a user, fitness devices, or combinations thereof. Inother embodiments, one or more sensors may comprise active or passiveRFID components. For example, as a user passes within a proximity to anRFID apparatus, such as built within or attachable to structures108-124, the location may be determined. In other embodiments, opticalsignals may assist in determining one or more performancecharacteristics. For example, if a user crosses a beam of light, theinterruption of the light received at a sensor may indicate the locationof the user, further the timing of the interruption of reception ofsignals (such as optical, wireless, and combinations thereof) mayfurther provide data regarding other parameters, such as velocity,and/or acceleration.

Processing of data from a sensor, such as sensor 201A may be dependenton data received from another sensor, such as sensor 201B. In otherembodiments, data from a plurality of sensors, such as sensors 201 maybe combined. Those skilled in the art with the benefit of thisdisclosure will appreciate that the exact processing of data from one ormore sensors may depend on a myriad of factors, including, but notlimited to, the specific activity, the presence of a sporting device orpersonal device, an amount of processing required, a level of confidencedesired in obtained data, and combinations thereof.

Calculation of one or more parameters may be performed using one or morealgorithms or rules stored on a computer-readable medium, such as memory215. Exemplary techniques for determining a user's speed fromaccelerometer signals are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No.6,898,550 to Blackadar et al., entitled “Monitoring Activity Of A UserIn Locomotion On Foot,” and issued on May 24, 2005, U.S. Pat. No.6,882,955 to Ohlenbusch et al., entitled “Monitoring Activity Of A UserIn Locomotion On Foot,” and issued on Apr. 19, 2005, U.S. Pat. No.6,876,947 to Darley et al., entitled “Monitoring Activity Of A User InLocomotion On Foot,” and issued on Apr. 5, 2005, U.S. Pat. No. 6,493,652to Ohlenbusch et al., entitled “Monitoring Activity Of A User InLocomotion On Foot,” and issued on Dec. 10, 2002, U.S. Pat. No.6,298,314 to Blackadar et al., entitled “Detecting The Starting AndStopping Of Movement Of A Person On Foot,” and issued on Oct. 2, 2001,U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,654 to Gaudet et al., entitled “Measuring FootContact Time And Foot Loft Time Of A Person In Locomotion,” and issuedon Apr. 18, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,705 to Gaudet et al., entitled“Measuring Foot Contact Time And Foot Loft Time Of A Person InLocomotion,” and issued on Jan. 25, 2000, each of which are incorporatedentirely herein by reference in their entireties for any and allpurposes.

Those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure willreadily appreciate that any combination of sensor information may beused from a plurality of disparate devices in detecting or measuring animpact parameter. For example, data from one or more sensors may bereceived through transceiver 109 and stored on memory 115. Computingunit 113 may be used to calculate any impact parameters from the data.

Further, information from sensors 201 or any other sensors associatedwith a structure of system 200 may be utilized to calculate parametersrelating to a sporting device, a user, or combinations thereof. In thisregard, block 318 may be implemented to utilize detected impact forces(e.g., from block 306), measured impact parameters (e.g., from block310), sensor information from a sporting device (e.g., from block 314)and/or sensor information from other sensors or devices (e.g., fromblock 316) during one or more processes to calculate or otherwisedetermine a sport-specific fitness parameter.

The sport-specific fitness parameter (such as calculated at block 318)may be any predetermined parameter configured to represent specificphysical actions and/or scenario relating to a sport. For example, ifthe specific sport is soccer, exemplary fitness parameters may include ageneral reactive agility parameter specific to soccer. Yet in otherembodiments, a reactive agility score may be specific to passing,scoring, corner kicking, speed, right-hand side preference, orcombinations thereof. Further exemplary fitness parameters may includeone or more sub-categories of these. Further, other categories besidesreactive agility may be utilized. For example, further illustrativefitness parameters may relate to, but are not limited to: speed,agility, power, quickness, reaction and combinations thereof. Forexample, exemplary fitness parameters for soccer may include: passspeed, pass accuracy, pass precision, pass right-hand side preferenceand combinations thereof. These parameters are merely illustrative andfurther parameters may be more specific. For example, these or othercategories may also be sub-divided into subcategories.

Still further exemplary fitness parameters may relate to the state of auser when conducting specific routines. For example, any one of theabove parameters may be measured when the user is in an exhausted state.For example, one exemplary parameter may measure endurance passprecision. In one implementation, information from one or more sensorsmay be utilized in a determination that a user is in an exhausted state.For example, a user's heartbeat, motion, or declining physicalperformance may indicate that the user is exhausted. Therefore, aroutine may be implemented to sequentially alter the operational stateof at least a portion of a display device to represent an opponentapproaching the user. Such actions may be used to mimic a scenario thatan opponent is approaching a user and require the user to rapidlydetermine where to pass the ball. Therefore, detecting the ball'simpact, measuring one or more impact parameters, or utilizing data fromother sensors may be utilized in determining an endurance—opponentavoidance—pass precision fitness parameter.

Activities or routines that may be implemented to determine a parametermay have one or more sub-components. For example, a first sub-componentmay be designed and/or executed to primarily measure a first athleticquality or group of qualities from a user. Specific activities may beselected and/or grouped in an order depending on further variables,including user' characteristics, such as weight, gender, height, pastperformance, planned performance, goals, combinations of one or more ofthese characteristics among others.

FIG. 4 shows flowchart 400 of an illustrated method that may beimplemented in accordance with one embodiment. Flowchart 400 may beimplemented following a determination of one or more fitness parameters,such as calculated at block 318. Yet, in other embodiments, one or moreprocesses disclosed in relation to flowchart 400 may be conducted,either in whole or in part, during or before one or more processesdisclosed herein, including those disclosed in relation to FIG. 3. Block402 may be implemented to display one or more results. In certainembodiments, results may be displayed on one or display devicesassociated with an output device, such as output device 206.

In one embodiment, locations of detected (or measured) impact forces maybe visually mapped (see, e.g. block 404) on one or more structures, suchas structure 200. For example, one or more display devices 206 onstructures 200 may be illuminated to visually identify impact locations.One or more locations may be illuminated along with a virtual border orboundary, such as a boundary that would have been preferred or desired.In one embodiment, a visual boundary may be a goal, basket, or net thatis shaped or scaled to represent a virtual sporting device used in aspecific sport.

Visually mapping impact locations may be provided in association withvarious impact parameters. For example, block 406 may be implemented toutilize different colors (or other variables, such as intensity orbrightness) of the display device(s) to represent values of impactparameters. For example, different colors may be utilized to representdifferent measured impact parameters, such as but not limited to:velocity, acceleration, direction, force, and combinations thereof. Forexample, locations where a soccer ball strikes the displays (or thelocation proximate to the displays) at or above a predefined thresholdmay be indicated with a green color, whereas locations where a soccerball strikes below the threshold may be indicated with a red color.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that visually mapping theimpact locations may comprise scaling or shading to represent themeasured values. For example, instead of a binary output of two colors,certain embodiments may provide an output in which each value within arange is associated with value along a color scale, such that forexample darker greens may represent faster velocities than lightergreens.

In addition to representing a first impact parameter value, visualmapping may be used to provide information regarding a plurality ofimpact parameters. For example, in addition to providing a green colorat an impact location of a ball striking at a certain velocity (orwithin a range), an arrow or another indicia may be provided as part ofor proximate to the green coloration to indicate a direction of animpact force. For example, if a detected vector of the impact force isheading in a downward direction, such as indicative of a balldescending, then indicia may be utilized to visually convey this.Likewise, if a detected vector of an impact force is heading in anupward direction, such as indicative of a ball ascending away from afloor or bottom surface, then a second indicia may be visually providedto convey this value. Further, such information may be utilized tovisually convey if a ball was spinning in a certain direction, such as acurve ball. Further information relating to the impact force locationsmay also be visually represented. For example, visualized impact forcesfrom a soccer ball kicked with a left foot may be visuallydistinguishable from impact force locations resulting from a soccer ballkicked with a right foot. Such implementations may readily allow users(and/or training staff) to determine if a user favors a right or leftfoot and/or whether this causes more imprecision or inaccuracy. Asdiscussed above, measured impact parameter values may be obtained from aplurality of sensors, including sensors on structures, such as structure102, sporting devices, such as ball 134, and/or personal devices, whichmay comprise portions of electronic device 208.

Block 408 may be implemented to display physiological parametersassociated with the fitness parameter. For example, in one embodiment,impact locations may be visually mapped in association with aphysiological parameter. Exemplary physiological data that may beassociated with mapped impact locations may include, but is not limitedto: heart rate, respiration, temperature, velocity, acceleration, sweatcontent, blood content, and combinations thereof. For example, a user'sheart rate may be mapped against impact locations to show how the user'saccuracy declined as the heart rate changed. Similarly, velocity of theuser may be mapped against impact forces to demonstrate better precisionwhen running at certain speeds or certain directions at impact with aball or other sporting device. Further, any motions of the user may beutilized in block 408, including whether a user utilizes a left or rightextremity (i.e., hand or foot) as discussed above.

Block 410 may be implemented to provide recommendations for a nextactivity or to implement a next activity. Implementation of block 410may be based, at least in part, upon a portion of collected data fromsensors within structures, such as structure 102, sporting devices, suchas ball 134 and/or personal devices. In certain embodiments, anydeterminations or recommendations of an activity may be based, at leastin part, upon one or more scores or sub-scores. However, specificsub-scores are not required to be calculated, but rather data, eitherraw or processed, may be used to provide recommendations. Determinationsmay be made by utilizing calculated fitness parameters, such as fromblock 318, and additional information, such as physiological data whichmay not have been used in the determination of the fitness parameter.

Historical data may be utilized as part of block 410. Exemplaryhistorical data may include sensor data collected from previous activityprotocols. For example, it may indicate that a user has increased ordecreased his or her performance during certain activities. Furtherhistorical data may include information regarding other individuals,such as other individuals who have conducted the same or similaractivity protocols. The data may be limited to others having similaruser characteristics, including for example, gender and/or age. Block410 may consider the user's goals or preferred level of performance. Forexample, if the user is a soccer player who wants to play in the PremierLeague, this data may be used to provide recommendations. Providing dataobtained from other individuals may fuel competition and/or motivationto maintain an exercise routine. Further, the recommended routine may bemore helpful to assist the individual to reach a specific goal. Incertain embodiments, data may be associated with identifying informationof third-parties. For example, the user's data may be compared againstdata from a plurality of individuals. In one embodiment, localindividuals having predefined characteristics, such as similar scores,sub-scores, fitness parameters, demographic qualities, and combinationsthereof may be identified. The user may be provided an opportunity tocontact, either directly or indirectly, with other individuals. This maybe beneficial, for example, to motivate the user by providingcompetition.

As additional example aspects of this invention, one or more elements orcomponents of a fitness device or electronic device may be marketed,sold, or utilized as a kit. Kits may be associated with instructions forconstructing a fitness device, including using one or more specificsensors with one or more fitness devices. Further instructions mayindicate how to use one or more fitness devices during one or moreactivity protocols. In certain embodiments, instructions may be providedthat indicate exemplary methods for using one or more fitness deviceswith one or more additional electronic devices to generate a score.Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate any instructions arenot required to be printed and remain physically present with the othercomponents of the kit, but rather the instructions may be provided on acomputer-readable medium. Such instructions may reside on a server thatthe user may access. In accordance with certain embodiments, the usermay be provided information, such as a link to an address on theInternet, which comprises the instructions, which would fall within thescope of providing instructions. Thus, as used herein, providinginstructions is not limited to printed copies that are deliverable witha fitness device.

While the invention has been described in detail in terms of specificexamples including presently preferred modes of carrying out theinvention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there arenumerous variations and permutations of the above described systems andmethods. Thus, the scope of the invention should be construed broadly asset forth in the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of structuresconfigured to form a boundary of vertically-extending walls defining aninner region, wherein the plurality of the structures each comprise: afirst surface facing the interior region of the apparatus; a firstdisplay device on or in proximity to the first surface, such as to bedisplayable to a user within the interior region; and a sensoroperatively connected to the first display device configured to detectan impact force; a processor; and a non-transitory computer-readablemedium comprising computer-executable instructions that when executed bythe processor, cause the processor to perform: operating at least one ofthe display devices to instruct a first user to perform a first fitnessactivity configured to simulate a first sporting action of a specificsport; using electronic data to determine an impact force resulting froma sporting device contacting a location of the first surface of astructure; receiving physiological data from a physiological sensor;determining a sport-specific fitness parameter by using detected impactforces from at least one sporting device contacting at least a portionof the first surfaces of the structures; and operating at least one ofthe display devices to instruct a first user to perform a second fitnessactivity configured to simulate a second sporting action of the specificsport.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the physiological data isselected from the group consisting of: heart rate, respiration,temperature, velocity, acceleration, sweat content, blood content, andcombinations thereof.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the electronic data is received from a sensor selected fromthe group consisting of: a sensor of a device operatively connected tothe first user, a sensor of a mobile terminal device, the sensoroperatively connected to the first display device, and combinationsthereof.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the electronic datacomprises information selected from the group consisting of: velocity,direction, force units, and combinations thereof.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, causethe processor to further perform: determining that the first user is inan exhaustive state; and selecting a fitness activity to be the secondfitness activity based upon the determination that the user is in anexhaustive state.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the operating ofthe at least one of the display devices to instruct a first user toperform a second fitness activity configured to simulate a secondsporting action of the specific sport is initiated in response to adetermination that the user is in an exhausted state.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor,cause the processor to further perform: using at least a portion of thedisplay devices, visually mapping the location of the determined impactforces.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion ofthe data is received from an image capturing device of a mobile terminaldevice.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least a portion ofthe data selected from the group consisting of: velocity, direction,force units, and combinations thereof.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause theprocessor to further perform: during a first time frame, altering theoperational state of at least one display device to instruct a seconduser to perform a second fitness activity configured to simulate asporting action of the specific sport, wherein a combination ofinstructional cues to the first user and the instructional cues to thesecond user are configured replicate interaction of the first user andthe second user during a sporting event of the specific sport.
 11. Anapparatus comprising: a plurality of structures configured to form anadjustable perimeter surrounding an interior region, each structurecomprising: a first surface facing the interior region of the apparatus;a first display device on or in proximity to the first surface, such asto be displayable to a user within the interior region; and a sensoroperatively connected to the first display device configured to detectan impact force; a processor; and a non-transitory computer-readablemedium comprising computer-executable instructions that when executed bythe processor, cause the processor to perform: during a first timeframe, altering an operational state of at least one of the displaydevices to instruct a first user to perform a first fitness activitythat configured to simulate a first sporting action of a specific sport,wherein first fitness activity requires the first user to project asporting device towards a specific display device; determining, fromelectronic information, an impact force from a sporting devicecontacting a location of the first surface of a structure; anddetermining a sport-specific fitness parameter comprising theutilization of detected impact forces from at least one sporting devicecontacting at least a portion of the first surfaces of the structures.12. The apparatus of claim 11, at least a portion of the electronicinformation is received from a sensor selected from the group consistingof: a sensor of a device operatively connected to the first user, asensor of a mobile terminal device, the sensor operatively connected tothe first display device, and combinations thereof.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the electronic information comprises informationselected from the group consisting of: velocity, direction, force units,and combinations thereof.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein atleast a portion of the electronic information is received from an imagecapturing device of a mobile terminal device.
 15. The apparatus of claim12, wherein determining the sport-specific fitness parameter comprises adetermination of whether the first user projected a first sportingdevice with a left or right extremity.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the first sporting device is a ball and the operational state ofthe at least a first display device is altered to instruct the firstuser to kick the ball towards a specific display device.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by theprocessor, cause the processor to further perform: receiving sensorinformation from at least one of the sporting device and a sensoroperatively connected to the first user; and wherein at least one of thesensor information from the sporting device and the sensor informationfrom the sensor operatively connected to the first user is utilized inthe determination of at least one fitness parameter.
 18. The apparatusof claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor,cause the processor to further perform: receiving sensor informationfrom a sensor operatively connected to the first user, wherein thesensor information comprises physiological data; and using thecalculated fitness parameter and the physiological data in determining asecond fitness activity to be executed by the first user.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the physiological data is selected fromthe group consisting of: heart rate, respiration, temperature, velocity,acceleration, sweat content, blood content, and combinations thereof.20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the instructions, when executedby the processor, cause the processor to further perform: during thefirst time frame, altering the operational state of at least one displaydevice to instruct a second user to perform a second fitness activityconfigured to simulate a sporting action of the specific sport, whereina combination of instructional cues to the first user and theinstructional cues to the second user are configured to replicateinteraction of the first user and the second user during a sportingevent of the specific sport.